Revision as of 18:33, 6 August 2014

Alphabetical list of historic personal nicknames and what they represent. This is a wiki list intended to be expanded by its users.

Genealogical Problem: We often find a nickname in an old source and need to know what formal name it represents. Or, we know the name, but wonder what possible nicknames and variant spellings might appear in an index or database.

Solution: Use a wiki list of historic nicknames. Add to it anytime you learn about additional historic nicknames.

Value. The list will continue to expand. It can be searched ([Ctrl] F) for the formal name in order to learn possible nicknames.

What Qualifies for the List

No unique nicknames. Some nicknames are random and unrelated to the regular name of their owner. For example, White Pine Sally as a substitute for Sophia may be a one-time nickname. Bugsy is a nickname in gangster movies, but has little to do with the owner's original name. Please do not add these kinds of random or unique nicknames to the following list.

Traditional nicknames only please. But many nicknames are traditionally used to replace a more formal name. For example, Molly may replace Margaret, Tom traditionally replaces Thomas, Polly for Mary, and Bill is commonly used for William. These traditional nicknames are exactly the kind you are invited to please add to the following list.

Rules: (1) Simply type the nickname on the left, an equals mark in the middle, and the formal name on the right, for example, Bill= William, (2) Please keep the nicknames in alphabetical order.

How to Add Another Nickname

Step 1. Use the index to find the letter of the alphabet where the new nickname fits.Step 2. Click the [Edit] button on the right.Step 3. Click the Wikitext button on the editing tool belt.Step 4. Find the spot where the nickname will fit alphabetically.Step 5. Insert (type) nickname = formal name<br> (substitute the real nickname and formal name).Step 6. Scroll to the bottom of the editing page, and type the nickname again in the Summary field.Step 7. Click the Save page button.

List of Traditional Nicknames in Historic Documents

Click the letter below to get to the nicknames starting with that letter.